Ends Crash
Both defensive ends crash inside to the B-gaps to squeeze inside runs.
Concept: Ends slant off the guards' outside shoulder into the B-gap while outside backers scrape to contain the edge.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 10UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 12UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage.
- 14UAdd movement: Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
Slant off the guard's outside shoulder into the strong B-gap to squeeze inside runs.
Slant into the weak B-gap off the guard's outside shoulder.
Rush the strong A-gap and occupy the interior.
Rush the weak A-gap.
Scrape over the top to set strong-side contain since the end crashed inside.
Fill the strong A/B-gap based on flow.
Fill the weak A/B-gap based on flow.
Cover the deep third/receiver and support the edge.
Cover the deep third/receiver.
Play over the top and fill the alley.
How to teach it
- 1Ends slant into the B-gaps; outside backers MUST replace them on contain — rep the crash-and-scrape exchange.
- 2Ends aim off the guard's outside shoulder, not straight upfield.
- 3This squeezes inside runs — teach the ends to penetrate the B-gap flat.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Backers don't scrape and the edge is left open; fix by drilling the OLB scrape-to-contain every time the end crashes.
- !Ends crash too soft and get reached; fix by teaching a hard, penetrating first step.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.